NGH maternity begins celebrations for International Day of the Midwife

Midwife Manuela Del Greco with her poem titled My Baby.

A midwife’s poem about premature birth has won an art competition to celebrate International Day of the Midwife on Saturday.

Northampton General Hospital organised the competition which was open to all employees in its maternity department.

Comedian and actor, Joe Pasquale, who is visiting Northampton this weekend to star in a performance of ‘Some mothers do ‘ave ‘em’ at the Royal & Derngate, stopped off at the hospital yesterday to judge the competition and select a winner.

 Various pieces were entered into the competition, which included a fantastic display of paintings, models, poetry and more. After a very difficult period of judging, Joe selected four winners, with first place being awarded to midwife Manuela Del Greco for her poem titled My Baby.  Announcing the winner, Joe told guests: “I do have a fondness for writing poetry and I have to say, this one piece stood out and brought a tear to my eye.”

 The competition organiser, community midwifery matron Anne Richley, said “It was a wonderful way to begin celebrations for the Day of the Midwife and we look forward to continuing celebrations over the weekend.”

 Celebrations continue this weekend as Northampton General Midwives host a tea/coffee and cake morning for families who have been under their care to come and enjoy. The event also aims to raise awareness for Perinatal Mental Health Week which falls over the same date.

International Day of the Midwife is a day celebrated in more than 50 countries across the world, with a focus on honouring the services midwives provide to mothers and their new born babies, to ensure a lifetime of good health.